VCUSD incumbents seek re-election

The Vallejo City Unified School District fall election is shaping up to be an interesting one, with all three incumbents and three challengers expressing interest in filing candidacy paperwork for three positions.

Current VCUSD Board President Tony Ubalde said he hopes to continue the success the board has had recently by helping to retain students and strengthen community relationships between the school district and parents.

Ubalde was appointed to the board in 2011 to replace Cris "Oggee" Villanueva when he died in office. Ubalde also served a term on the Solano Community College District Governing Board from 2004 to 2008.

"Four (plus) years ago when I first took office the district was in state receivership, and we spent the first few years of my term cutting nearly 20 million dollars from the budget. It was brutal, but we made the most of some really bad times," wrote incumbent Adrienne Waterman in an email. "I am proud of the work we've accomplished and want very much to continue serving."

Waterman was elected to her first term on the board in 2009.

Incumbent Hazel Wilson said that she is seeking re-election to help the district work on fiscal issues, help the career academies grow and improve student safety throughout the district.

Wilson also admitted that "there is still a lot of work to do," but she is very excited to help the district grow.

Wilson was first elected to the VCUSD board in 2001. She is also the last member of the board to serve during the 2004 state takeover of the district.

Local residents Ruscal Cayangyang, John Lewis and Cliff Stroughter have all expressed interest in filing candidacy paperwork.

Cayangyang is a former student trustee on the Napa Valley College District Board of Trustees. He sought election to the VCUSD Board in 2009.

Stroughter is a 2014 inductee to the Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame.

The Solano County Registrar of Voters will accept nomination papers until Aug. 8. To serve on the VCUSD board, candidates must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of California and must reside within the VCUSD boundaries.

While there is no fee to file candidacy paperwork, to have a candidate statement printed in English will cost $526.28, according to the Solano County Registrar of Voters. Candidates can also have statements printed in Spanish, Chinese and Tagalog for additional costs.

The last day to register to vote for the November election is Oct. 20.